Updated Lexus LF-LC Concept Making Australian Debut In October

Japanese luxury brand Lexus will introduce an updated version of its LF-LC concept at the Australian Motor Show this October. The "hybrid coupe concept" was first introduced in January at the Detroit auto show.

Lexus Australia didn't confirm that the new debut was a version of the LF-LC concept, but admitted in a statement that it was "a further development of a vehicle shown at the Detroit Auto Show." The company says the car has a hybrid system with in excess of 469 hp, and all-wheel drive.

Lexus has released one teaser photo giving an up-close look at the taillight of the new concept car. It appears to have a silver body, whereas the Detroit show car was red. The original LF-LC concept can be seen in the gallery below.

The show-stopping LF-LC concept looked like a futuristic version of Lexus' carbon-fiber supercar, the LFA. It wore a big spindle-style front grille, prominent air intakes ahead of the rear wheels, and several touch-screen interfaces for the interior. The concept car was expected to be headed to production by 2014 or 2015, and Lexus said it used a rear-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid drivetrain. Reports suggested the coupe might be assembled on the chassis of the next Lexus LS flagship.

The fact that Lexus is once again showing off the LF-LC concept demonstrates that the car hasn't been forgotten. It remains to be seen, though, whether the luxury brand is ready to make a commitment to building the futuristic sports car. The latest reports say the LF-LC could evolve into a production car by late 2014.